Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), 1742-1807 (Mohawk) was painted by Ames in the last year of his life.  During his life, he was the subject of many portraits by artists including Paul Kane, Gilbert Stuart, Charles Willson Peale and George Romney.  Born in the Ohio country, Brant was raised in the Mohawk Valley of New York.  About 1759, his sister Molly became the consort of William Johnson, the wealthy and influential businessman, land speculator, and Indian Superintendent.  Johnson became Joseph's mentor and benefactor, even sending him to a Connecticut school.  Brant fought with the British during the Colonial Wars and the American Revolution.  After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Brant settled in Ontario.